This was one of the most extravagant election campaign seasons in recent memory, and at the end of it, we wonder—did we elect who was best for the country?
I write this on the eve of election day with much trepidation as to whom the majority of my fellow Filipinos will hand over the reins of government. The political stances of the candidates for senator, representative, mayor, vice-mayor, and councilors reflect the heavily polarized character of society now.
Those among the candidates with money to spend (most of them allied with the current administration) splurged on broadcast commercials, posters, and giveaways while those with less (mostly from the opposition) relied on social media and the goodwill of supporters who made their own posters and flyers and distributed them on their own time, without reward or pay.
It used to be a truism that those with more money and bigger ad spend had a better chance of winning, but that was debunked during the last presidential elections when Roxas lost and Duterte won. Sometimes it just comes down to a popularity contest, or a matter of perception or gut feel over who the better person is, or just a weariness and rejection of the same-old, same old and a longing for a positive change.
In short, sometimes all that people have to go on is hope.
Duterte’s triumph in the presidential elections of 2016, some said, was a sign that the masses were sick and tired of the oligarchs who had ruled for decades but had not made any material change in their condition and status.
However, we can see from the lineup of candidates that the same old political dynasties are still entrenched and are once again seeking the continuation of their reigns. As a politician from a prominent family once told me, “Jenny, it’s the family business.”
This is the mindset that afflicts not only the pols themselves, but also their constituents, who look to the same faces and those of their family members, hoping that this time it will be better, that this time Cong or Mayor or Gov’s son or wife or grandchild will be the one to bring the care they need and deserve, that this time they will end corruption and palakasan and the padrino system.
But the reality is, many of the same-old same-old seldom make goals save those that benefit themselves and their cronies. We see minimal to no improvement in social services in many areas. There are cities in the metro that are awash in trash, where floods still halt activity when it rains, where fixing is rampant in city halls.
On the national level, we need statesmen of dignity, intelligence, and integrity. We need senators who are well educated and have the diplomas to prove it. Making laws is not an easy task. Tremendous responsibility goes with it that it cannot be left solely to staff or lobbyists.
We need lawmakers and public officials who are skilled, knowledgeable, discerning. We deserve those who have not been tainted nor associated with corruption or plunder cases. We want to be served by people who are honest and tell the truth. We need men and women in the Senate with the courage to fight for human rights, the strict implementation of the rule of law, and Philippine sovereignty.
My househelper’s sister sells her vote each election. She is scolded by my helper for doing so. “Bibigyan ka limang daan. Ganoon ka ba ka-cheap?” This time around, she is persuading her sister to vote for the better candidate in our city, the one who gave more help to public school students and who cracked down in fixing at city hall.
These are the kind of people we should elect at all levels—the performers (not in a showbiz sense), the straight arrows, the hard workers. Choosing public officials should be done on merit, not on name recall or good looks or dancing skills or bribes and freebies.
On Election Day, vote your conscience. Otherwise, live with the consequences.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas at ang sambayanan! / FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO
